No. 3   
The Supremacy of Christ     

Ben Shapiro

   We are impressed with Shapiro's career and courage. He articulates conservative values better than most anyone. 

   However, there is one view we see differently.

   Shapiro explains: "My own view of Jesus...as is Judaism's, is that God does not take human form. ...it makes more sense to me that you take responsibility for your own sins, as opposed to Jesus dying for your sins. In Judaism, you're constantly atoning for your own sins. I'm works-based; Christianity is largely grace-based." 

   So, Ben Shapiro combines scripture and reason to defend Western Civilization, but he relies on reason alone to explain and prove his "faith." True, America especially, among nations, has biblical principles in its origin. 

   But, see 1 John, chapter 5 - for faith, not based on reason. Jesus did not die for Western Civilization, but suffered to offer salvation to the world. Blessings primarily are spiritual, and therefore eternal. 

   Hebrew prophecies and other writings are quoted frequently by - mostly Jewish -New Testament writers. In Christ, the two become one. 

   Christians also battle sin. We are saved by grace, but warned throughout to kill the ungodly desires of human nature, and to reject the principles of this dark world, or else! Let's just consider the following - though it's beyond reason, and it wasn't written in the West:  

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, 

visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; 

all things were created by him and for him.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, the church; 

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, 

so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 

and through him to reconcile to himself all things, 

whether things on earth or things in heaven, 

by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1:15-20  NIV